EUGENE -- As the Oregon Ducks prepare for the Dec. 30 Alamo Bowl, it has presented the opportunity for many of the team’s younger players to get in extra practice time, and therefore, make an added impression on the coaching staff and players heading into next season.

The names that are popping up the most from coaches and players: Freshman wide receiver Darren Carrington and freshman defender Tyree Robinson.

“Every practice is a great opportunity, and that’s why I love practice,’’ coach Mark Helfrich said. “It’s a time to compete, a time to get better, a time for those guys to add to their roles.’’

“A bunch of those redshirt guys have jumped out,’’ Helfrich said. “This time of year you are like, ‘I wish we can play these three guys, these four guys, these six guys,’ ... but you can’t do it.’’

Quarterback Marcus Mariota, who will return for his junior season, was asked which young guys he is looking forward to seeing play next season.

“Foremost Thomas Tyner,’’ Mariota said. “I mean, he has had a great year this year. But to kind of see how he grows. You know he will continue to have an impact on this team for years to come. And guys like Darren Carrington and the twins - the Robinson twins (Tyree and Tyrell) -- they have been making plays on the scout teams. But all those guys have come a long way. We will see how they continue to grow through the next spring, and hopefully they will earn some playing time for next fall.’’